1995

On February 12, the Bryant Street Committee of the Highland Park Community Club sponsored a fund-raising event called Chocolate & Champagne at St. Andrew's Church. Guests were able to sample chocolate creations by Highland Park residents and professional caterers, restaurants, and bakeries. Participants included: Baum Vivant Restaurant, Bolan's Candies, Cafe Victoria, La Chacuterie, Oakmont Bakery, Simply Delicious Catering, and Vincenza Chocolates. The event benefited the on-going revitalization of Highland Park's business district along Byrant Street. With funds raised by this event, five new wooden planters located at Walnut Market parking lot, next to Peppi's, next to D & L Cleaners, and in front of ARTS. The sixth was scheduled to be placed at Cafe Flora after the sidewalk was redone. [Bryant St. Comittee news releases 1995/1996; HPCC Newsletter 8/1995] John and Jacqueline Dougherty bought the former American Legion building. They renovated it to create Cafe Flora. The planned to have a mural painted by Karl Brake, backdrop artist for Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Theatre. [HPCC Newsletter, 9/1995] More than 200 Highland Park residents came out to welcome three new Bryant Street businesses on October 29th. This was the second annual Bryant Street grand opening and including a children's festival with pumpkin decorating, sidewalk drawing, face painting, free balloons, and the annual Halloween parade led by the Peabody High School Highlanders marching band. The businesses were Cafe flora, a moderately-priced bistro; The NUIN Center, a muti-faceted therapy center; and Nna, an elegant continental restaurant. (All were expected to open before the end of the year.) [HPCC Newsletter, 12/1995] Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation designated the Klages house on Beverly Place as a historic landmark. The Klages house (1922) was designed by Pittsburgh architect Frederick Scheibler. He also designed an apartment building (1907) on Mellon Street and the Johnston House (1921) on Jackson Street. His other work in Pittsburgh includes the Old Heidelberg Apartments (1905) on South Braddock Avenue in Point Breeze and the Highland Towers (1913) on Highland Avenue in Shadyside. Buildings at 5805 and 5814 Bryant Street were demolished.

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